Digitalcem: The Future of Today" Conference and Exhibition

TÜRKÇİMENTO: We Are Transitioning into a Period Where We Cannot Separate Digital From Green    

During the opening of the "Digitalcem: The Future of Today" Conference and Exhibition, organized by TÜRKÇİMENTO with the main sponsorship of MEXT, TÜRKÇİMENTO CEO Volkan Bozay stated, "As an industry, we are in the process of adapting to the twin transformation, especially referred to as green and digital transformation. We have now transitioned to a period where we cannot separate digital from green. Another important factor in this transition is social transformation. Therefore, we need to revise the twin transformation process as a triple transformation."

The "Digitalcem: The Future of Today" Conference and Exhibition, organized by TÜRKÇİMENTO with the main sponsorship of MEXT, took place in Istanbul on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. The event brought together digitalization and IT professionals from the cement industry with expert supplier companies in the field of digitalization through company presentations and stands, addressing one of the most important issues of today, digitization.

In his opening speech at the conference, TÜRKÇİMENTO CEO Volkan Bozay emphasized the significant transformation occurring in Turkey alongside the widespread adoption of digital technologies, saying, "This process offers many opportunities and advantages for both individuals and organizations. Thanks to digitization, Turkey is rapidly moving towards a more competitive economy, more accessible public services, and a more connected society."

Bozay also highlighted that the Turkish cement industry, with 56 integrated and 21 grinding facilities spread across the country, is the fifth-largest producer in the world and the leading producer in Europe. Furthermore, it is the second-largest exporter in the world for clinker and cement, serving more than 100 markets.

ADAPTING TO A TWIN TRANSFORMATION AS AN INDUSTRY

Volkan Bozay, CEO of TÜRKÇİMENTO, underlined the industry's achievements not only in production and sales figures but also in areas like compliance with green agreements, the use of alternative fuels and raw materials, energy efficiency, and digitization. He stated, "As an industry, we are in the process of adapting to the twin transformation, especially referred to as green and digital transformation. We have now transitioned to a period where we cannot separate digital from green. Another important factor in this transition is social transformation. Therefore, we need to revise the twin transformation process as a triple transformation. Without transformation in areas such as education, health, social security, and employment, we cannot make progress in green and digital transformation."

Bozay also mentioned the Medium-Term Plan, saying, "As you know, digitalization is designated as the 5th priority area in the 2023 Medium-Term Plan. Within this scope, the acceleration of digital transformation and strengthening the digital economy are the goals. Our industry needs to adapt itself to this digital transformation. We had prepared a low-carbon roadmap. As an industry, we have short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. These are closely related to digitalization. Innovative new technologies need to come into play. Digitization will be more crucial than ever. Institutionalizing digital transformation is essential for more effective and efficient public services. The final policy to achieve our goals will be to support the digital economy. The need for financing will emerge for supporting innovative initiatives and entrepreneurship. With the support provided by our government in areas such as financing and digital exports, we see signals that the digital future will take shape more quickly."

Barış Arıkan, Sales and Ecosystem Director of MEXT Technology Center, spoke at the opening of the conference, stating, "We are the world's largest and most comprehensive center for digital and green transformation," and continued, "MEXT is the flagship of the twin transformation for us. We bring together all the services we need under one roof. As of 2023, we have focused on green transformation. We have seven companies from the cement industry. We are contributing to the creation of a roadmap in line with decarbonization goals, to help the cement industry stand out in global competition. We take on the role of guiding companies in various areas of sustainability roadmaps, including recycling, energy monitoring, and energy efficiency."